Alessandro Matri returns to face the club he left last week and his father urges the Cagliari fans to be kind on the Juventus striker.

“It was his dream as a player to join a big club,” his father told Sky Sport Italia television.

“I hope the Cagliari fans will be generous with him tonight and not jeer, as he gave everything for the Sardinian side.

“He didn't expect Juve, but I think the dream has been realised. His eyes spoke to everyone during his presentation Press conference. I think he is incredibly happy, because Juve are the Old Lady of Italian football.”

The move happened very quickly on transfer deadline day after President Massimo Cellino had at first insisted there would be no sale.

“On Sunday night after his game, he told me there were some negotiations. On Monday afternoon, with Cellino in Milan, we realised there was the possibility of closing the deal. He kept me updated throughout.”